Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the impact assessment that she is carrying out in relation to reforms of the joint labour committee system; and if she envisages any implications for her Department arising from the recent High Court ruling in relations to JLCs. [21429/11]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if, in view of the fact that she is tasked with protecting the most vulnerable in society, she has satisfied herself that the there are adequate measures in place to protect the vulnerable workers affected by the recent High Court ruling in relation to joint labour committees. [21430/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 51 together.

The need for reform of the Joint Labour Committee system was clearly signalled in the Programme for Government. Following the commissioning of an Independent Review of Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) and Registered Employment Agreement (REAs) Wage Setting Mechanisms, my colleague, Richard Bruton, T.D., Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation undertook a consultation process on the main issues arising from the report. The outcome of this work is currently under consideration by the Government.

The Government will consider the impact of the reform proposals on workers with a view to achieving balanced reform which produces good outcomes for employment and social protection. My Department undertook an interim analysis of the broader impact of reform of EROs/REAs on low paid workers and the social protection system generally, and how reduced pay levels due to a reduction in Sunday premia and in overtime pay could possibly lead to an increased reliance on the social welfare system. This assessment will inform the Government's deliberations on the reform of EROs/REAs, with a view to achieving balanced reform for all those affected.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department provides a number of schemes to support low paid workers and to prevent in-work poverty, including Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit, One Parent Family Payment and Family Income Supplement. These schemes provide financial supports for workers who meet the eligibility requirements and who may be affected through a reduction in earnings by the recent High Court ruling in relation to EROs made by JLCs.